In this article, we will discuss about PET-CT as a diagnostic tool for the detection of Esophageal cancer and also some common questions related to PET-CT.
Esophageal cancer is the condition when the cells of esophagus divides in uncontrolled manner and leads to the formation of tumours. Esophageal cancer often begins with mucosa which is the lining of esophagus. Esophageal cancer is 8th most common type of cancer worldwide. It is important to detect the esophageal cancer in the early stages to treat and limit the spread of the cancer. PET-CT is the best radiological diagnostic tool, which can help to detect the esophageal cancer at early stage and help to treat. The procedure uses radioactive tracer for the detection of the cancer. The most common radioactive tracer used for the detection of esophageal cancer is F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG).
What is Esophageal Cancer?
Esophagus is the long tubular structure which connects pharynx with the stomach. The food goes into the stomach through this long tube lining with mucosa. This helps to keep the esophageal lining slippers and helps the movement of food. Esophageal cancer is the uncontrolled division of cells in esophagus and most commonly this cancer often begins with the mucosa of the esophagus. This is the fatal condition and if left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body. Early detection of the cancer is important to stop the spread of the cancer and for this purpose PET-CT is well known radiological tool for the detection of cancer.
What are the Causes of Esophageal Cancer?
Esophageal cancer is often linked to the life style of the person, which can continuously irritate or inflammation of esophageal lining. There is no specific cause for the esophageal cancer but there are various factors which are related to esophageal cancer. These factors include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), smoking, heavy consumption of alcohol, obesity, barrett’s esophagus, genetic conditions etc.
Which types of Esophageal Cancers are detected by PET-CT Scan?
PET-CT scan can detect both types i.e., Squamous cell carcinomas and Adenocarcinoma cancers of the esophagus. During the scanning Squamous cell accumulates good amount of FDG glucose, which makes easy detection of the condition. Whereas Adenocarcinoma cancers may not significantly take the FDG glucose. This makes the cancer detection more complicated and poorly visible.
What does PET-CT Scan shows in Esophageal Cancer?
PET-CT scans produce the 3D images of the esophagus and other associated tissues. PET-CT scan helps to give information like:
- Metabolic activity of the cells
- Stage of esophageal cancer
- Site of esophageal cancer
- Spread of esophageal cancer
- Stage of esophageal cancer
- Effect of treatment on esophageal cancer
- Helps to plan the treatment for esophageal cancer
- Response of treatment of esophageal cancer
- Provides images of the Esophageal for the specific evaluation.
- Helps to detect the abnormalities in the Esophagus
What are the Different types of PET-CT Scans available at Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre other than Esophageal Scan?
Here is the list of PET-CT scans available at Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre other than esophageal scan.
- Brain PET scan (Book Now)
- F-18 Choline PET Scan (Book Now)
- FDG-PET Scan (Book Now)
- DOTA PET CT Scan (Book Now)
- Whole Body PET Scan (Book Now)
- PSMA PET Scan For Prostate (Book Now)
- Dopa Brain PET Scan (Book Now)
- PET Viability Scan Cardiac (Book Now)
- Cardiac PET Scan (Book Now)
Conclusion
Esophageal cancer is the condition when the cells of esophagus divides in uncontrolled manner and leads to the formation of tumours. Esophageal cancer often begins with mucosa which is the lining of esophagus. Esophageal cancer is 8th most common type of cancer worldwide. Esophagus is the long tubular structure which connects pharynx with the stomach. The food goes into the stomach through this long tube lining with mucosa. This helps to keep the esophageal lining slippers and helps the movement of food. Early detection of esophageal cancer is important for treatment and limits the spread. For this purpose PET-CT scan is the best diagnostic tool to detect the esophageal cancer early. PET-CT for Esophageal cancer uses radioactive tracer for the detection of cancer and most common radioactive tracer used in FDG glucose. Patients need to consult the doctor before going for the scan and reveal all medical history to avoid any allergic reactions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Esophageal Cancer?
Esophageal cancer is the condition when the cells of esophagus divides in uncontrolled manner and leads to the formation of tumours. It often begins with mucosa, which is the lining of esophagus.
What are the Causes of Esophageal Cancer?
There is no specific cause for the esophageal cancer but various factors that cause esophageal cancer include persistent inflammation or irritation to esophagus, smoking, frequent esophageal infections, mutation, heavy consumption of alcohol etc.
Can PET-CT Scan detect Esophageal cancer?
Yes, PET-CT is effective diagnostic tool in detection of esophageal cancer.
Where is PET-CT Scan for Esophageal Cancer near me in Delhi?
Patient can visit Ganesh Diagnostic Imaging Centre for Esophageal PET-CT Scan with heavy discounts. For more information and appointment, click here.
